Clover Moore takes aim at charging for NYE fireworks as hundreds flock to prime spots

Sydney is gearing up for an 'epic' New Year's Eve fireworks display which will feature a tribute to the late Aretha Franklin and Australia's famous landscapes.

A man is seen running to Mrs Macquarie's Point in preparation for New Years Eve Fireworks in Sydney. Source: AAP

Sydney's lord mayor has taken a shot at the state government for charging people to watch the city's famous New Year's Eve fireworks from some harbourside locations.

"All the city-owned sites are free and any of those that are ticketed are ticketed by Property NSW or the Royal Botanic Gardens," Lord Mayor Clover Moore told reporters on Monday.

"I frankly think it's outrageous that they are trying to make money out of something we are putting on to bring the community together harmoniously and to celebrate the beauty of our city."

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore at the Sydney NYE launch at the Opera House. Source: AAP

Some 20 government-owned sites are ticketed with the Botanic Gardens, for example, charging $335 for its Habour Hoopla event.

The City of Sydney on the weekend accused the coalition government of "privatising public spaces by stealth", and on Monday the lord mayor upped the ante with her direct attack.

Comment has been sought from both Property NSW and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton rejected the criticism on the weekend telling News Corp Australia: "There are so many public places that are free for everyone to go and watch the fireworks."

The lord mayor on Monday also responded to those who've suggested too many sites are alcohol-free in 2018.

"The sites that are managed also allow you to purchase your alcohol and that way, I think, we've been able to say it has been a very safe event (in past years)," Ms Moore said.

This year's $5.78 million Sydney NYE show will comprise 8.5 tonnes of fireworks, more than 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects and 35,000 shooting comets.

The theme is the Pulse of Sydney with the display featuring gold, silver and purple pyrotechnics to (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman made famous by Aretha Franklin who died in August.

Australia's iconic landscapes will also be celebrated with an animation inspired by the rock anthem Great Southern Land beamed onto the harbour bridge's pylons at 11pm before the main 12-minute firework display lights up the city's skies at midnight.

Australia's indigenous heritage will be honoured with a series of animated projections of water, birds, fish and plants.

Summer will be celebrated with new lime and peach colours, and there'll be an extra 1000 effects coming off the bridge including heart-shaped fireworks and a smiley-face.

For those who can't wait until 12am, there's an eight-minute family fireworks display at 9pm.

Security will be beefed up across Sydney with uniformed and plain-clothed police as well as specialist teams in force to keep partygoers safe.

A technician packs fireworks in preparation for the New Year's Eve celebrations at Glebe Island in Sydney. Source: AAP

NSW Police have warned they'll monitor crowds closely and restrict access once sites are at capacity.

Hard barriers, concrete bollards and vehicles will be used for both counter-terrorism and accident prevention.

Authorities want revellers to plan ahead and use public transport rather than drive due to road closures and parking restrictions.